Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need To Acclimate

Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need to Acclimate?

Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice for its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. Unlike solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring is constructed with a thin layer of real wood veneer bonded to a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. This construction makes engineered wood flooring more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid wood flooring, but it still requires some acclimation before installation.

Acclimation is the process of allowing the wood flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. This process helps to prevent the wood from expanding or contracting too much after installation, which can cause buckling or gapping. The amount of time required for acclimation varies depending on the type of wood flooring, the climate, and the time of year. However, most manufacturers recommend acclimating the wood flooring for at least 3 days before installation.

To acclimate engineered wood flooring, follow these steps:

Store the wood flooring in the room where it will be installed for at least 3 days before installation.
Unpack the wood flooring and stack it flat on the floor.
Do not stack the wood flooring more than 5 feet high.
Maintain a temperature of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 35-55% in the room.
Use a hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity.

Once the wood flooring has acclimated, you can begin the installation process. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance to ensure that your engineered wood flooring lasts for many years to come.